From a faith perspective, humanity is created in the image of God; both male and female.

This doesn’t mean that we all physically look like our Creator but that we have certain inherent characteristics which reflect some aspect of God's nature, such as rationality, morality, creativity, and the capacity for spiritual and self-awareness.

I suppose that it would be fair to say that we are all inherently God-like. And, if this is true, surely no one could argue that the value of each human life is immense.

Over the last few months there has been an increased level of conversation regarding assisted dying, and its place in society. I wonder on what side of the debate you find yourself?

From a Christian perspective, assisted dying or, as it is sometimes called, assisted suicide is often viewed as morally problematic because it involves intentionally ending a human life.

As Jesus taught His followers, central to Christian ethics is the principle of loving your neighbour as yourself, which is often reflected in how we care for, and support, those who are suffering; including those who are terminally ill or experiencing unbearable pain.

Therefore, throughout life, in all of its ups and downs, we are called to provide compassionate care, help with pain management, and uphold those individuals facing the end of life. And this we can do through funding palliative care, hospice services, and developing supportive communities that recognise the value and dignity of every human life until its natural end, rather than assisting in someone’s death.

However, for some people who are living with life-limiting diseases, or terminal illnesses, standing by them and supporting them through their difficulties is not enough.

For some, they want the freedom to end their condition at a time of their choosing. While this may not be a comfortable place for many of us, and it certainly raises concerns about the actual value of human life especially through illness and disability, while accepting that all life is a gift from God, the question that society as a whole has to address is this: recognising the value of every life, should humans have the authority to decide when it should end?